5 Fab Foods for Morning Workouts

Don’t skip the most important meal of the day, especially if you train in the a.m. These whole-food breakfast ideas will boost your energy and performance.

In an ideal world, you’d eat a solid meal or snack 60 to 90 minutes before your early-morning workout, but if your schedule is crazy or you simply can’t stomach food first thing in the morning, you’re likely to skip breakfast. This could mean reduced energy and faster burnout as you eat up your available energy stores, leading to a lesser-than workout. These quick and easy whole-food options are carb-forward for optimal energy and performance, and they are lower in fiber and protein, which can delay digestion and cause cramping and lethargy.

¼ Cup Granola

Choose a product with less than 10 grams of sugar per quarter cup for the ideal early-morning energy boost.

½ Banana + 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter

Here, you get all three macros in balanced proportions so you can wake and break a personal record. 

½ Cup Orange Juice

Just a half cup of OJ delivers 13 grams of quick-digesting carbs for high-octane energy on the go.

Whole-Wheat or Sourdough Toast + 1 Tbsp Jam

This wake-up treat provides plenty of available glucose to power you through that circuit.

8 oz Chocolate Milk

This nutrient-dense protein and carb combo is also an awesome craving crusher.